A delighted Teesside singer is back in the running to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.

James Tinkler of Berwick Hills is now among the final four contenders vying for the spot on the international show.

The Gazette reported how the former St Mary's College student thought his band had lost a chance to make it into the final last week.

A public vote on BBC Radio 2 saw him voted off when the eight semi-finalists were cut down to four.

But the 21-year-old was given a second chance after one of the final four entries, Never In a Million Years, was disqualified.

James will now perform live on Song For Europe on BBC1 on March 3 with the song Every Step of the Way.

If he is voted the winner, he will go on to represent Great Britain at the contest in Estonia.

"I was devastated when I didn't make it in to the last four," said James.

"I was disappointed, but thought I have just got to keep trying.

"I was sat at home when the phone rang and I was told one had been disqualified and, as we had the next most votes, we were through to the final."

A spokeswoman for the Eurovision Song Contest today confirmed that Never in a Million Years, performed by Zee, had been disqualified because the song had previously been released in Hungary. James, fronting the band Level Best, is now the fourth finalist.

"It is very sad for Zee as she had no idea the song had been released before, but we are pleased to welcome the new band into the final," she said.